When the guys finally released me, I stepped toward Coach Foster and shook his outstretched hand. He gripped it firmly and leaned forward, his low voice still as deep and menacing as ever, despite the subtle smile on his face.
“Congratulations, Parker,” he said. “I know how much you’ve done to help this team. And my daughter. Keep it up.”
I was afraid to ruin the moment by opening my mouth, so I just nodded.
“Now, enough theatrics,” Foster said, turning back to the group. “We’ve got a game to win!”
“Coach is right,” I said, moving to stand at his side. I’d never been someone who liked to hesitate, and I’d already missed weeks of captaining this team; I wasn’t missing another second. “The Saints are our biggest rivals. We showed them who was boss at the tournament last year, and we’ll do it again tonight because we’re the better team both on and off the ice. So, let’s show those snooty, elitist, private school jer—”
Coach cleared his throat.
“Uh, private schoolguyshow to play.” I glanced at Foster to check whether he approved of my adjustment, but he was glowering same as always, so I pressed on. “We are the Ransom Devils, so we’re going to go out there and do what we do best—win!”
The guys cheered as we all charged out the door. I was the last one into the hallway, just behind Coach Foster, when Mackenzie grabbed me and pulled me aside.
“You love me?” She was still gripping my jersey, like she was worried I might escape to avoid the question.
“Oh, that.” I’d kind of been hoping she might have forgotten, given everything else that had just happened. It wasn’t exactly the smoothest way for me to declare my feelings for her. Who wanted to tell a girl they loved them for the first time in front of her angry, terrifying father?
“Yes, that.”
“I mean, are you really surprised? The first time we met, I told you I’d fallen in love at first sight.”
“I’m pretty sure you were joking.”
“Yeah, well, now I’m not. I love you, Mackenzie Foster.”
She slowly started to smile. The way it lit up her face andmade her green eyes sparkle was so ridiculously beautiful, if I wasn’t already in love with her, I would be now. “Then I guess you’ll be needing this.” She opened her hand to show me the friendship bracelet I’d made her. “I don’t want to be your friend. Because I love you too, Parker Darling.”
I started to lower my lips toward hers.
“Parker! Mackenzie!” Coach shouted down the corridor at us. “It’s bad enough I had to see that shit once today! Get yourselves on the ice, now!”
Mackenzie laughed as her dad stormed off. “Guess that’s as close as we’re going to get to having my dad’s approval.”
“Actually, I think he’s starting to like me,” I said, with a grin. I leaned in again, but she placed a hand against my lips.
“Maybe don’t push your luck just yet,” she replied. “Come on, captain. We have a game to win.”
Chapter 34Mackenzie
There wasn’t a spare seat in the building as we hit the ice for our game against the Sunshine Hills Saints. The stands were packed with students and fans from Ransom, but there were just as many people in the crowd wearing the bright white and gold of our opposition. The energy in the arena was at fever pitch as the crowd cheered and heckled in equal measure.
I spotted Parker’s family quickly. His parents were here, along with his siblings. I recognized Paige next to Grayson, and Reed’s arm was draped over a pretty redhead’s shoulders. My brother sat right behind them with my stepmom and little sisters. As Max caught my eye, he leaned down to whisper something to Daisy and Skye. They both gave him a serious nod before turning and lifting the posters they’d made with my name high above their heads.
I stood a little taller as I lifted my glove and waved back at them. It was hard not to get emotional seeing my family all here supporting me. Especially now that I finally had my dad in my corner too.
There was still a lot riding on this game though, if we wanted to turn the Devils’ season around. But the pressure on my shoulders felt different now. I wasn’t on probation anymore. I was a real member of this team, and, thanks to Parker, I had my own jersey and number to prove it. My mom’s number. I desperately wanted to win and to do her proud. For the firsttime, I felt like both were truly possible.
Warm-ups went by quickly. And, before I knew it, I was skating to the net for the faceoff. I took slow, steady breaths. This game wouldn’t be like the others. I was going to make sure of that.
As everyone took their positions, Parker slid alongside me. “Time to win?”
“Time to win,” I repeated.
“Just try not to outshine me,” he added with a smirk. “Despite everything I’ve said and done these last couple of weeks, I still want to be the star of the team.”
“That sounds like a challenge.”
